A Good Samaritan found Otter and his sister Bunny orphaned in Northern California and started taking care of them. The pair’s differences were apparent to her quickly, so she sent them to Baby Kitten Rescue so they could receive the specialist care they need.
Otter’s front paws are missing a few toes, while Bunny is missing both of her paws. But they both have a strong sense of determination, and they move around quite well.
When the two entered Caroline Grace’s care, she immediately recognized these variances, and as they recovered from various health difficulties, she started to see that Otter actually had some further peculiarities. Caroline Grace is the director of Baby Kitten Rescue.
“When they arrived, they were in horrible condition: upper respiratory illness, fleas, filthy and had severe diarrhea,” Caroline told The Dodo. “As I focused on getting them healthy (under the direction of our vet), I noticed Otter’s head and face looked different than a typical kitten his age. He had a very large forehead and big, bulging eyes.
Otter also had what looked like an abscess at the top of his head. He was put on antibiotics for the ‘abscess,’ but it didn’t go away.”
Otter was seen by a neurologist after Caroline took him, who determined that he had meningocele and hydrocephalus. An exposed portion of his skull is what is causing the abscess on top of his head. He will be able to obtain an MRI once he is 6 months old to find out the severity of his illness and what he requires. He will have surgery to put a plate over the hole in his skull when he is a year old. The individuals who are taking care of him till then have mastered improvisation.
Otter wears a Band-Aid because of this, Caroline said. He wears a [helmet] to protect his brain, which is another reason.
Caroline has kept Otter’s head bandaged with a Band-Aid ever since he entered her care. As a result of his little size and the Band-Aid on his head, he seems even sillier and cuter. Otter also has a homemade helmet that some friends constructed for him to wear when playing or just being a kitty.
Otter and Bunny don’t appear to be aware of their impairments or the fact that they are different from other kittens. They are enjoying life with their foster mother and haven’t yet been hindered by anything.
“Otter’s personality is brave and curious, but also extremely loving and affectionate,” Caroline said. “Otter loves exploring new places, things and people. He’s usually the first to try something new, while Bunny watches. Once Otter shows Bunny it’s safe, she will also try the new thing! Otter is the big brother and definitely looks out for his sister.
She’s had to learn to adapt to her disability by standing and walking on her hind legs, and Otter has started standing and walking on his hind legs, too … Both Bunny and Otter have adapted so well to their disabilities. Neither of them know they are different and both of them are full of joy!”
Since Otter and Bunny are a bonded pair, they must be adopted together when the time comes. They won’t be ready to go into their forever home for a while, but when they are, they will seek for a family that has expertise caring for dogs with special needs and is prepared to continue providing them with any further specialized care they may require.
Otter’s helmet and Band-Aid may make him appear a little unusual, but they also keep him safe and enhance his charming appearance, so he is certainly not complaining. He is very excited to see what comes next as he enjoys discovering the world.
